“The blend of a vital inner and outer life is a challenge and necessity, because the neglect of ether will cause a spiritual fall.” ~Luke A. Powery
We live in times that test our strength. True strength is found in living a deeper and higher wisdom. In Matthew 7: 24-27 Jesus teaches: “Anyone who hears my words and puts them into practice is like the sage who built a house on rock. When the rainy season set in, the torrents came and the winds blew and buffeted the house. It didn’t collapse because it had been set solidly on rock” (24-25).
How are we building our lives? This is the foundational question in Jesus’ story that compares the wise one building their house solidly on rock and the foolish one building their house on sand. Jesus was well versed in the Psalms which come out in his stories and parables.
Psalm 127:1 says: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Solid lives, strong enough to face what life throws at us, are tethered to God’s abiding and guiding presence.
Jesus calls us to build our lives with strength. Make plans and intentions for growth, including supportive relationships. It is growth from the inside out that will build sustainable strength.
In ancient Jewish teachings the house was a deeply meaningful place, offering physical sanctuary on one hand and being a metaphor for the soul on the other.
?Holy Creator, create in us the desire to ground ourselves in You. Lead us to solid teachings and strong actions. Help us to choose to build up rather than to tear down. From the strength we are building, help us to share our strength with others. Amen.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Elder Dwayne Johnson
Practice Wisdom
Join us Onsite, Online and later On Demand for 9am ET Spiritual Engagement Hour.
his Sunday’s Highlights:
+ Our conversation starter for this time of spiritual dialogue is Psalm 1, James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a and a prayer by our own Clara Carter
+We’ll reflect on this quote by Wendy Wright:
“Is this the time to seek wisdom in a new way: to let go, to wander deeper and farther into uncharted territory?”
+ We’ll dialogue on questions raised by our content:
>How do we nourish wisdom ?
>What’s the difference between wisdom and knowledge?
>What is the price of wisdom?
Please join us at 9am ET
MCCDC Chapel Onsite, Online & On demand.
Here are three ways to participate:
* Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
* Call In, +1 301 7158592 Meeting ID:850 0797 0818
* In Person 474 Ridge St., NW, Washington, D 20001
Re-Imagine Ensemble
Join us onsite to sing and rehearse for worship.
Make new friends and enjoy a sense of musical belonging.
“Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” ~Colossians 3:16
MCCDC BIBLE STUDY SUMMER BREAK
Come join us for Bible Study AFTER Summer Break on 10 Sept 2024 Tuesday@ 7PM via ZOOM.
Go to calendar.mccdc.com for the Zoom
Link or email Dale Madyun-Baskerville,
with any mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com questions
Atlantic City Trip
MCCDC’s Older Adults Ministry will continue their annual day trip to the Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
We’ll depart from the church at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 14th. Tickets cost $65 and include $15 for slots. To reserve your seat, visit oam.mccdc.com. Please pay no later than September 9th. Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville oam@mccdc.com with any questions.
Breast Cancer Walk !
Please plan to join MCCDC in the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s annual More than Pink Walk to End Breast Cancer on Sunday, September 8th at 7:00 a.m.
You can join in person at Freedom Plaza, 14th & Pennsylvania Avenues NW or virtually.
Stronger Together: Being MCC in Politically Perilous Times in the U.S.
For U.S. Pastors, Pastoral Leaders, Network Leaders, and Lay Delegates:
?While on our journey of faith, those who live in the U.S. now find ourselves in politically perilous times. And, we know that MCCers are always STRONGER TOGETHER when we share our journey in faith, prayer, and love.
So the Council of Elders invite you to join us as we explore what we carry in our ‘spiritual backpack’ on this journey and choose to move from independence to interdependence through listening, prayer, action, and hope. We are indeed stronger together and even stronger with love.
Upcoming Schedule: September 21 / October 26 / November 16 // 11AM ET / 10AM CT / 9AM MT / 8AM PT / 4PM BT
Click here to open Zoom and join automatically
MCCDC’s Writing’ Ministry
MCCDC’s Writing’ Ministry will gather on Saturday, 21 September, 10:00 am EST via zoom link listed below. Whether you are an experienced writer or want to begin writing, or do more, please consider joining. For more information contact Greg Synder at gcsnyder01@aol.com.
Click Here to Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 865 7622 1632
Passcode: 146039
Lunch and Learn Series
Wednesday, September 18th at 12:30 pm
“The Many Names for God”
Discussion led by Darryl Walker
A complimentary lunch provided RSVP to darryl_1945@yahoo.com or call 202-297-6884
Pathways to Generosity, Prayer #113
“The earth beneath my feet is the great womb out of which the life upon which my body depends comes in utter abundance. There is at work in the soil a mystery by which the death of one seed is reborn a thousandfold in newness of life.” ~ Howard Thurman (Poem: The Earth Beneath My Feet )
Dear God, we stand before you in awe and humility at the difference you make in our lives from day to day. When troublesome times seem to never end and we feel like giving up, you are right there by our side. We are grateful for the strength and faith that helps us to hold on to your promise that you care for us and never leave us. Thank you for the spiritual leaders and spiritual guides who diligently impart knowledge of spiritual living to help us reflect the image of You. We are grateful for your tender loving mercies and forgiveness.
God, thank you for the opportunity to work as good stewards to nurture and reap the bountiful harvest of labor, love, hope, natural and technical resources that help spread the gospel and enrich our lives here on earth. Thank you for the abilities to plan and organize assets to carry out the vision and mission of spiritual worship spaces everywhere of a borderless church to gather more souls for your spiritual realm. We are grateful for the many talents, treasures, financial gifts, and time shared with people throughout the world. By your Mighty Power, we rejoice in the prosperity that bonds us with the spirit of sharing generously. Thank you in your many precious names! Amen.
“The One who provides seed for the planter and bread for food will also supply and enlarge your store of seed and increase your harvest of justice. You will be made rich in every way for your generosity, for which we give thanks to God.” 2nd Corinthians 9:10-11 (The First Egalitarian Translation)
Clara Carter
MCCDC Prayer Supporter
Hospitality Ministry
MCCDC Hospitality Ministry needs your help!
Please donate:
· Donate/Volunteer your time once a month on Sunday to coordinate, setup or clean up during Hospitality time.
· Donate supplies:
· Food Items: Individually package cookies, Granola bars, Fresh fruit, Yogurt, Coffee, Sugar, Water, tea bags, and juices (Individually cartons)
· Dry Goods: Coffee cups, 8 inch plates, 6 inch plates, paper towels, Clorox Cleaning Spray, dish clothes and dish towels.
Drop off all supplies Sunday morning at the kitchen window. To Volunteer see Dale Madyun-Baskerville on Sunday morning or email oam@mccdc.com
God of My Understanding: Becoming a Spiritual Force
Join MCCDC Bible Study of Jackie Lois book God of My Understanding starting 10 Sept 2024 at 7 PM.
You will discover opportunities for spiritual growth and community that seeks to reach out to many people who never felt at home or previously rejected by church and organized religion.
Click Here to Order Your Book!
Prayer Corner
Please lift the following people up during your prayer time:
* Bill Campbell *Jerry Giem * Tim Helm *Rose Williams *Cecilia Hayden-Smith and Esther Smith’s health *Delores Fowler * Veronica Franklin * Rev. Dr. Robin Hawley Gorsline * Glenn Conway * Anthony Goode ?Randy Punley * Marcus Garnett *Evelyn Jones * Steve Sloane * Jeffrey Luckenbach ? * Cathy Batson’s niece Lisa * Cynthia Melman *Kim Battle *Joshua Benkins’ at the loss of his father Isaac *Mike Washington * Buck Carlson * Doris Carter Washington of Alexandria * John Hylton * Summer Allen * Ruth Kappy Makekodunmi * Sherry Bradshaw prayers for healing,* Elaine Durden-Hunter loss of her sister and for healing * Sheila Chittams for the loss of her father.
“Church Ministries & Events”
Re-Imagine Ensemble
Join us 9 AM onsite at 474 Ridge ST NW, Washington, DC to sing and rehearse for worship.
Make new friends and enjoy a sense of musical belonging.
“Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” ~Colossians 3:16
Spiritual Gifts, Get Involved!
You’re invited to consider sharing your spiritual gifts by making a Scripture Reading Video or sharing a Video Testimony on what MCCDC means to you.
It does not have to be long and the AV team is standing by to help you with the video. Please email me at revdwayne@mccdc.com for more information.
Moving Spirit Dance Ministry
Come dance for God! No experience needed. Email Cathy Batson at cathybatson1@verizon.net for more information. Check out past performances on our YouTube channel, including “I Can Only Imagine” (April 2019) and “Mighty River”(February 2018).
Singing For God
Join Re-Imagine Ensemble
Lift your voice in rehearsals at 09:00 am
On-Site 474 Ridge Street NW Washington, DC 20001
Email: pastors@mccdc.com
JOIN PRAYER FROM NOON TO 12:30 PM Monday thru Saturday
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7078722334
Meeting ID: 707 872 2334
The dial in is 301-715-8592
Meeting ID: 7078722334
Intercessory Prayer Team
Meets the 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month at 7 pm
Contact LaMar Jenkins at 202-750-08887
Bible Study Tuesdays at 7:00 pm Eastern
Click here to Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/434566329
or Dial: (301) 715-8592 ,Meeting ID: 434 566 329
Contact Dale Madyun-Baskerville at mccdcbiblestudy@mccdc.com for more information.
Pastoral Care Meeting
Meet 1st and 3rd Wednesday, each month at 6::30pm
Contact pastoralcare@mccdc.com for more information or interest in joining this vibrant church ministry this Fall
Writing Ministry
Join other MCCDC writers in our monthly Zoom Writing Ministry meeting.
For more information contact gcsnyder01@aol.com.
Join Us on YouTube and subscribe to the MCCDC YouTube Channel!
